Statement: Code of Conduct for Scientists Revised Version- (Approved at the executive board of the Science Council of Japan on Jan. 25, 2013, and translated from the original Japanese version) Original Document (Japanese) http://www.scj.go.jp/ja/info/kohyo/pdf/kohyo-22-s168-1.pdf Science Council of Japan (SCJ) Established October 3, 2006 Revised J anuary 25, 2013 Code of Conduct for Scientists Science Council of J apan Science is a system of knowledge based on the principles of reason and empirical proof that is assiduously built up over time, and constitutes an irreplaceable common asset of all humanity. Scientific research is an act that creates new knowledge by boldly pursuing the challenges of unknown fields. Science and scientific research exist both with and for society. Therefore, research activities based on scientific freedom and the subjective judgments of scientists only gain social recognition once they are premised upon public trust and the mandate of the people.Here,thewordscientistsreferstoresearchersandspecialistsengagedin activitiesthatcreatenewknowledge,orintheuseandapplicationofscientific knowledge,inallacademicfieldsrangingfromhumanitiesandsocialsciencesto natural sciences, regardless of which institution they belong to. Whilescientistsengagedinsuchintellectualactivitiesenjoytheprerogativeto pursue truth under academic freedom based on their own expert judgments, independent of the interests of specific authorities or organizations, as experts they also bear a grave responsibility to respond to the mandate given to them by society at large. Especially in the modern world, where scientific activities and their results exert a vast and profound influenceonallhumanity,societydemandsthatscientistsalwaysmakeethical judgments and engage in ethical actions. There are also societal demands for the role thatshouldbeplayedbyscienceinthedevelopmentprocessforpolicyandpublic opinion. TheGreatEastJ apanEarthquakeandtheaccidentatTokyoElectricPower Companys Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant that took place on March 11, 2011 brought about the need for scientists to reexamine whether they had truly responded to the trust and mandate given to them by society and also, the issues requiring scientists tomakeall-outeffortstowardthereconstructionofdevastatedregionsandthe revitalizationofJ apan.Furthermore,inorderforsciencetocontributetorealizinga more affluent human society through its own sound growth and development, scientists must establish ethical norms to strictly control their own conduct, while fulfilling their obligationofaccountabilitytosocietyandconsciouslytakingpartinbuildingand maintaining sound relationships between science and society, as well as with policy and decision makers. Ethics for scientists also constitute a basic framework whereby society can demonstrate its understanding of science and seek dialogue with science. Basedonthefundamentalrecognitiondescribedabove,theScienceCouncilof J apan herewith indicates a Code of Conduct consisting of ethical principles that should originate in the autonomy of scientists and are minimum requirements common to all academic fields. Adherence to such ethical principles is essential, both to ensure the qualityofscientificknowledgeandforindividualscientistsandthescientific community to gain the trust and respect of society at large. I Responsibilities of Scientists (Basic Responsibilities of Scientists) 1.Scientists shall recognize that they are responsible for assuring the quality of the specializedknowledgeandskillsthattheythemselvescreate,andforusingtheir expert knowledge, skills and experience to contribute to the health and welfare of humankind, the safety and security of society and the sustainability of the global environment. (Attitude of Scientists) 2.Scientistsshallalwaysmakejudgmentsandactwithhonestyandintegrity, endeavoring to maintain and improve their own expertise, abilities and skills, and shallmaketheutmostefforttoscientificallyandobjectivelydemonstratethe accuracy and validity of the knowledge they create through scientific research. (Scientists in Society) 3.Scientists shall recognize that scientific autonomy is upheld by public trust and the mandate of the people, understand the relationships between science, technology, society, and the natural environment from a wide-ranging perspective, and act in an appropriate manner. (Research that Answers to Social Wishes) 4.Scientists shall recognize that they are responsible for answering to the wishes of society to investigate into truths and to achieve various issues. When using research fundsthataretobeprovidedforestablishingtheresearchenvironmentandfor conductingresearch,scientistsshallalwaysrecognizethatsuchbroadsocial expectations exist. (Accountability and Disclosure) 5.Scientists shall strive to disclose and actively explain the roles and significance of their own research, evaluate the possible effects of their research on people, society andtheenvironmentaswellasthechangesthattheirresearchmightengender, neutrallyandobjectivelydisclosetheresultsofthisevaluation,andbuilda constructive dialogue with society. (Dual Use of Scientific Research Outcomes) 6.Scientistsshallrecognizethatthereexistpossibilitiesthattheirresearchresults, contrary to their own intentions, may be used for destructive actions, and shall select appropriate means and methods as allowed by society in conducting research and publicizing the results. II Research Integrity (Research Activities) 7.Scientists shall act with integrity according to the spirit of this Code of Conduct in drafting, planning, applying for, implementing, and reporting their own research. By reporting their research results through such means as papers, scientists shall take responsibility as well as obtaining recognition for their achievements in accordance with the role that they played. Scientists shall ensure that research and survey data are recorded, stored and rigorously handled, and not only refrain themselves from any misconduct such as fabrication, falsification or plagiarism, but also refrain from aiding or abetting such misconduct. (Establishing Sound Research Environments and Thorough Educational Enlightenment) 8.Scientistsshallrecognizethatestablishingandmaintainingfairresearch environments where responsible research can be conducted is one of their important duties, and shall work continuously to improve the quality of research environments inthescientificcommunityandtheirowninstitutions,andtowardeducational enlightenmentpreventingmisconduct.Moreover,theyshallalsoseekthe understanding and cooperation of the public in achieving these goals. (Consideration for Research Subjects) 9.Scientists shall respect the dignity and rights of individuals who cooperate in their research, and shall safeguard and give proper consideration to their welfare. They shall also treat animals and other research subjects with all due care and respect. (Relations with Others) 10. Scientistsshallconstructivelycriticizetheresultsofotherscientistsresearch, humbly listen to the criticism of others, and exchange opinions with an attitude of sincerity. Moreover, they shall properly give credit to other scientists intellectual findings and achievements, as well as respecting the honor and intellectual property rights of others. They shall also participate actively in mutual assessment among scientists in the scientific community, particularly of their field of expertise. III Science in Society (Dialogue with Society) 11. Scientists shall participate actively in dialogue and exchange with citizens, for better mutualunderstandingbetweensocietyandthescientificcommunity.Aswell,in order to resolve various issues and realize welfare in society, they shall also work to providescientificadviceeffectiveforpolicymakingtopersonsinvolvedinthe planning and determination of policies. On such occasions, scientists shall aim to give advice based on consensus among scientists, and, when differences of opinion exist, shall offer explanations that are easy to understand. (Scientific Advice) 12. Scientistsshallconductresearchactivitieswiththeobjectiveofcontributingto public welfare, and offer fair advice based on objective and scientific evidence. At that time, they shall be aware of the gravity of the impact and of their responsibility that their statements may make on public opinion building and policy making, and shall not abuse their authority. As well, scientists shall make maximum efforts to ensure quality in their scientific advice, and at the same time clearly explain the uncertainty associated with scientific knowledge as well as the diversity of opinions. (Scientific Advice to Policy Planners and Decision Makers) 13. When scientists offer scientific advice to persons who plan or decide on policy, they shall recognize that while scientific knowledge is something to be duly respected in the process of creating policy, it is not the only basis on which policy decisions are made. In the event that a policy decision is made that diverges from the advice of thescientificcommunity,scientistsshallrequest,asnecessary,accountabilityto society from the policy planner and/or decision maker. IV Legal Compliance (Compliance with Laws and Regulations) 14. Scientists shall observe all laws, regulations, and relevant rules in their activities, including the implementation of research and the use of research funds. (Rejection of Discrimination) 15. Intheirresearch,education,andacademicactivities,scientistsshallrespondto others fairly on a scientific basis, respect individual freedom and character, and not discriminate against individuals based on race, gender, status, ideology and beliefs, or religion. (Avoiding Conflicts of Interest) 16. Intheirresearch,reviews,evaluations,judgments,scientificadviceandother scientific activities, scientists shall pay sufficient heed to the presence of conflicts of interest between individuals and organizations, or between different organizations, and shall properly address problems paying all due attention to the public interest. (End)